Seven local schools would be eligible to apply

Seven local schools listed as underperforming by the state would be able to compete for a piece of $3 million set aside for teacher performance-pay awards under a proposal by Gov. Bob McDonnell.

McDonnell said Tuesday that the measure would award merit pay of up to $5,000 to teachers in "hard-to-staff" schools, including schools that are at risk of losing state accreditation, have a high number of English learners or have a high percentage of special-needs students.

Locally, eligible schools would include York River Academy in York County; Lindsay Middle School, Smith, Bryan and Merrimack elementary schools, and Hampton High in Hampton; and Denbigh High in Newport News. They are among 190 "hard-to-staff" schools statewide.

Critics say they're concerned the initiative would only benefit a few teachers instead of overall school-employee compensation.

McDonnell also joined legislators to promote a bill that gives companies tax credit if they donate to nonprofit groups that in turn give needy students scholarships to private schools.

"No student should be left behind because they can't afford to attend a great school," said Del. Algie Howell. "By incentivizing corporations to give to these organizations, we will be able to better provide a good education to disadvantaged and at-risk students."